Ipsy April Glambag Review

Oh Ipsy, how I love you.

My April Ipsy bag was pretty great. Out of all the products I could have gotten, the ones I got were the ones I liked the best.

I didn't take the time to take pictures and swatches of everything this month, so... yeah.

My Glamroom

The Glamroom shows all the products available and the items that I received. The Glamroom gets updated as soon as the bag ships out, so if I check the glamroom I can see what I will be getting.  Although, if there are multiple color variations it does not tell me what color I get.

• Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On-Eye Pencil. Travel size. Full size is $20 if you buy it from Urban Decay's site. Estimated value: $6.

  A must for smoky-eye fanatics: an ultra-plush version of UD’s creamy, waterproof 24/7 formula. Create perfectly blended-out or rich, precise lines that are blacker-than-black.

- From Ipsy's site.

 Travel size pencils only come in sets, but this specific one only comes in full size. It's brand spankin' new to Urban Decay's lineup! I've gone back and forth about whether I will be using this, but just yesterday I decided I'll use it.  The current blank liner I use the most is shiny and glittery, but this one is matte, and supposedly really black.  I have several Urban Decay liners and they are long lasting, they glide on smoothly, and they are smudge proof. (Smudge proof, if you don't buy one that's meant for smudging, that is! ;-))

• Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion. Deluxe sample size. Full size is $78 if you buy it from Dr. Brandt's site. Estimated value: $10

The dr. brandt® microdermabrasion gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens skin texture, which enables better absorption of skincare products and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations. A great at home alternative to professional clinical treatments. Safe to use for all skin types. For best results use with dr. brandt® skincare products. 

-From Ipsy's site.

When I first received this sample, my skin was still in its "freak out" mode that I talked about when I posted all my goodies from Lush.  Since then, my skin has improved drastically, and I have used this once.  It exfoliated really, really well. This product also helped get rid of all the blackheads I have on my chin.  I've had issues with that area ever since the 5th grade! So, all in all, I am very impressed with this product. I'll probably use it once a week until it's gone, which won't be very long. It's too expensive for me to purchase the full size, even with the discount offered (20%).

• Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne. Full size. $12.99 if you buy it from Elizabeth Mott's site.

The Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the eyeshadow is the ultimate eyeshadow that's long lasting, easy to apply, and effortlessly blends. Buildable colors will take you from subtle highlights to dramatic smokey eyes. With pop! goes the shadow, eye shadow creasing is a thing of the past. Get ready to try the eye shadow that will change your life! 

-From Ipsy's site.

I love this shadow.  Is it "life changing" as the description states? No. I don't think eyeshadow can be life changing. But it is a gorgeous color, and it's smooth, buttery, and long lasting. That's all I ask in a shadow!  I am a sucker for champagne shades and I don't think it's possible to have too many. They look good on everyone, and they are great for daytime looks, nighttime looks (depending on what you pair with them), brow bone highlight, inner corner highlight, cheekbone highlights, or wherever you want to add a little shimmer.  This is a total win for me!

• Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Berry Me. Full size. $10 if you buy it from a Mary Kay Consultant.

Turn up the volume with Mary Kay At Play™ color! It’s flirtatiously fun makeup you can remix-n-match to create your own color playlist. The Mary Kay At Play™ Jelly Lip Gloss has a fun jelly texture that offers brilliant, intense shine with a sheer wash of color. 

-From Ipsy's site.

This was a big fail. Do you like thick, sticky gloss?  If so, then you'll like this.  I do not like thick, sticky gloss. Luckily, I swatched this onto a clean cotton swab, so it's still sanitary enough to give to anyone who wants it.  Maybe a 10 year old, or someone just starting out, who doesn't know a lot about makeup?

• St. Tropez Gradual Tan for Face. Deluxe sample size. Full size is $35 if you buy it from Ulta. Estimated value: $3.50.

The St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face hydrates skin for 24 hours without blocking pores and provides a natural bronze glow. Prolongs youthful skin with Matrixyl Synthe 6, which rejuvenates cells and boosts collagen synthesis to firm, plump and visibly lift fine lines and wrinkles. 

-From Ipsy's site.

I will probably use this, just for fun.  You see, I have freckles, and with freckles comes a struggle with matching your foundation shade to your skin.  Do you go light and match your lighter skin? Do you go dark and match your freckles?  Usually I go between the two shades, but I my face still never matches my neck. So, insert a self tanner. The self tanner can be placed wherever needed to even out your skin tone between your face, neck and chest.  I don't usually do this, but, I like the idea of it, so I will be using this product to do just that.

Bag Value:

Urban Decay liner: $6

Dr. Brandt microdemabrasion: $10

Elizabeth Mott eyeshadow: $12.99

Mary Kay gloss: $10

St. Tropez facial tanner: $3.50

Grand Total: $42.49

The value of this bag really surprised me, in a good way!  I found a new eyeliner to try, and an eyeshadow that I love. I'll use everything except that nasty Mary Kay gloss. Even without the gloss, this bag has a great value.  Ipsy is still keeping me happy!

Here is my referral link if you're interested in trying Ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hh1dhitczm8r4e9

Florida Driver License

If you want a Florida driver license, be prepared to give your Social Security card, your birth certificate, your marriage license, two pieces of mail (or proof of residence), a W2, and your right arm.

I originally tried to get a Florida license in February when my mom visited.  My mom watched Lily for me, and I used my mom's car to drive over there.

I waited in a short-ish line for 15-20 minutes before arriving at the check-in counter.  The lady looked over the items I had brought, and then gave me a number for the long line.

Two hours later, my number was called.  I went to the back and the lady told me I HAD THE WRONG PAPERS.  I had actually brought my marriage certificate instead of my marriage license.

Side note: I told Lance the night before that he had given me the marriage certificate and that I needed the license.  He got upset with me and told me that this is all we had.

So, I started crying, right there at that lady's desk.  I was so overwhelmed. I'd been wanting to come get my license for weeks but couldn't arrange it with our one car and opposite work schedules.  I could tell she felt so bad for me.  She gave me an "appointment slip" so that next time I came I didn't have to wait in as long of a line.

I went home angry, and feeling hopeless.

I immediately called the Utah County Health and Justice building and ordered a marriage license.

It arrived a few days later, but I still had to figure out a way to get back down to the DMV.

A few days before I was going to try to get back to the DMV, Lance found our marriage license.  He felt horrible. I just said, "Oh well, what's done is done. And now we can put one in a frame to display?"


I finally made it back down to the DMV a week before my license expired.  It was a Monday.  I tried to go to bed early Sunday night, because I don't work Sunday nights.  However, when your body is on a certain schedule, that's not really the easiest thing to do.

Monday morning I got up at 6:15am, got Lily up, drove Lance to work so he could be there by 7am.  Then I came home (7:30am), and let Lily rest while I showered and got ready.  We left our house again at 9am.  I drove over to the DMV, and waited in the "short" line to get to the receptionist.  I handed her the appointment slip from 2 months prior, and all of my documents.  I told her, "I was here a couple of months ago, but I had my marriage certificate instead of my marriage license."  She looked over my documents, and kept looking and looking at the marriage license.

I started to panic.

Receptionist: "Do you have the marriage certificate?"

Me: "Um, no, they told me it was useless, so now I have the marriage license."

Receptionist: "This doesn't say where it was filed............"

Me: "...."

Receptionist: "Let me check on this before making you wait longer."

Me: "Ok, thank you! I was here for two hours last time!"

Someone else: "It has this number *points* and the state seal, so it's correct"

Agh, thank goodness!

The receptionist handed me my number for the "long" line.  I noticed it wasn't going to be that long of a wait.

It was 20 minutes.  Not bad compared to two hours.

I went back, handed a different lady all of my documents.  Answered some questions.  Registered to vote as "no party" which, in my line of work is basically the same thing as telling them you're Independent. I took the quick eye test. Paid my dues. Posed for a picture.

All the while Lily was walking around doing whatever she wanted.  They were nice about it.

At the Kissimmee DMV they print your license while you're there.  So that's cool. I didn't have to wait for it in the mail.

Focus T25 - Week 8 (...and a progress photo...)

Day 51 - Monday | Core Cardio

This week I'm going to try to use a different mindset to get me through the workouts. During Insanity, Shaun would say that the work doesn't start until the pain begins.  Normally, when my workout starts to hurt, I'll try to do a couple more reps then I'll die out and take it easier.  This week, I'm going to try my very hardest to not stop at all, no matter how much it hurts. I should have been doing this all along, I know.

So, Core Cardio today was the hardest it's ever been, mostly because I did the very most I could.  I took a couple of very, very, short breaks. I did none of the modified moves.  I couldn't do all the moves as fast as they do in the videos, such as the burpees, hammer kicks, and whatever else, but I did them with all my effort and strength.  I am extremely exhausted right now, and I had tons of sweat literally dripping down my face and chest by the end.

I feel very accomplished!

Side note: We ran out of bottled water. Our tap water tastes sulfuric. It is the most disgusting water I have ever had in my life.  It makes Coke all the more tempting...

Day 52 - Tuesday | Upper Focus

I almost did the entire thing without stopping.  At one point I yelled out in agony, and Lily looked at me, then made the same sound. It was really cute.  I think it was during some plank work or pushups or something.  Anyway, I stopped and laughed with her for a second, then I went on about the workout.

I'm still using the 5lb dumbbells, and I still think they are too light.

I am so sweaty right now.  I thought it felt like a humidity-sweat rather than a hard work sweat. But according to my phone, humidity is at 47% right now.  I would have guessed at least 70% with how sweaty I am. I guess lifting weights makes me sweaty.  Yum.

My glutes are sore again today!  Core Cardio gets them every time!  I think it's the twisting jumping lunges.

Update: It pretty much monsooned outside today, so it really was humidity-sweat I was feeling earlier.  There was a waterfall coming off my apartment, and a river running down the parking lot.  Rain storms are freaky 'round dees parts.

Day 53 - Wednesday | Speed 2.0

I took a rest, and it was longer than it should have been. I probably took more breaks this time than I have any other time doing this video.  I did really great the first 9 minutes, then I got really tired. Then I got a side ache.  My food choices yesterday were not the greatest.

I've really been slacking when it comes to buying groceries and cooking dinner. I only slightly went over my target calories yesterday, but the types of food I had were terrible. Pizza, jelly beans, Vanilla Coke. Yeah, that's not very good fuel for my body.  I really feel the need to cook and get to the store to buy fresh vegetables, but the only time I can grocery shop is Friday night or Saturday afternoon.  Those times also happen to be the only times I actually get out of the house, except for going to church, and I would rather do fun things Friday night and Saturday afternoon, rather than spend time in a grocery store.  Sue me.  Oh yeah, and laundry has to also fit into those times.

Day 54 - Thursday |  Rip't Circuit

Dead lift to curl squat... owey.

I took a bit of a break during the air plank to one leg burpees.  Those are death.

Lily was running around me in circles, teasing the dogs and giggling.  It was really cute, but I accidentally bonked her on the shoulder with my dumbbells.  When you're trying to use all of your concentration to do something, it's really hard to be mindful of your surroundings.

I apologized to Lily, she forgave me. ♥

Day 55 - Friday | Dynamic Core & Speed 2.0

Dynamic Core is so hard.  Especially with Lily running around, chasing dogs, and trying to get my attention.  Not to mention I've gotten to bed at 4am every single day this week.  I'm tired, sweaty, and grumpy.  I love Speed 2.0 but it's really hard and I'm kind of dreading it right now.  Don't you worry (talking to myself) I'll do it anyway. Just give me a minute...

Ok, I did Speed 2.0 and it is still super hard.  I feel like it's getting harder each time I do it.  It's still motivating though.  It's split into 2 sections; level 1 and level 2. Level 1 has a few moves in it, 5 or 6, and the first time through you do each for a while, then the second time through you do each move half as long ,then the next time through you do it half as long as the second time through.  So each time you do it, it gets shorter.  It's motivating because the first time through it you can tell yourself not to stop.  The second time through you have your favorite moves to look forward to, so you keep pushing. The third time it goes so fast there would be no point in stopping.

Level 2 is the same. Level 2 isn't harder moves, just different moves.  You repeat the sequence three times. Then you put level 1 and 2 together and do that twice.  Then you jog it out and you're done.  It's so fun!  Why won't my body respond and just hit it like I want it to?!


Day 56 - STATurday

I'm down 3.8 lbs from starting! Woo hoo!  I am 9.8 lbs away from pre-prego!  I should have been keeping track of what I've been eating all along....

Alright, and since I'm feeling brave, I'm going to post some progress pictures. I wish I could do a photo collage, but I can't.

Before:

After 8 weeks (technically 9):

I'm sorry the lighting is different, and you can tell that my stomach never sees the sun.

While I haven't lost much weight, my stomach is flatter and firmer.  My arms are thinner. Shirts, pants, and underclothing fit looser. I have more energy, more muscle tone, and I can run for a while without dying.

I also used to have quite the "double butt."   What's a double butt, you ask?

That is a double butt.  While mine didn't start quite as big as the graphic, it's a lot smaller now.  In fact, most people probably wouldn't notice it at all. The underneath part on me is almost completely gone.  I've gotta keep working on my squats and lunges.

I'm pretty proud of myself, but I still have a long way to go.

Day 57 - Sunday | Stretch

I probably won't stretch tomorrow, so I'm posting this a day early!  I'm just excited about my progress this week!

Focus T25 - Week 7

Day 44 - Monday | Dynamic Core

 I had a really busy day today, and did not work out. I'm planning to double down tomorrow.

Day 45 - Tuesday | Core Cardio

I did Dynamic Core today, and honestly I had a really hard time getting that workout completed.  I think I did great on most of the moves, but, it's really difficult to potty train a toddler, and get 25 minutes to yourself.  It took me over an hour to do the 25 minute workout. After every time I stopped, I did a 30 second jog to get my heart rate up at least a little bit before starting again.

Core Cardio was a big fail. I got about halfway through before I just felt like I wasn't going to benefit from exhausting my body.  My period is due this week, and I think that makes me extra tired.  One and a half workouts is enough for me. Maybe I'll do the other half of Core Cardio tomorrow. We'll see. 

Today I started using MyFitnessPal again.  I hate keeping track of what I eat, but, I know it's good for me.  I just didn't want to feel like I was on a diet. I wanted a lifestyle change, not a diet. But, what I eat needs to change if I'm going to ever lose weight.

Day 46 - Wednesday | Rip't Circuit

I had a few interruptions today.  My mom called when I was about 8 minutes into it. Then after my phone call with her, I kept going with the workout, but Lance called two minutes later.  With the interruptions, I feel like it was more difficult than if I were to do this all the way through without stopping.  When I started up again, I did a 30 second jog to warm up a tad.

I didn't do as well with the ab moves at the end of the workout as I did last time.  And, I realized there are only two repeats of the 5 count ab thingy.  So, I'm not sure what I was talking about last time.  I'm so confused right now!

Day 47 - Thursday | Upper Focus

I did almost the entire workout. There isn't much cardio in this, but I sweat a ton. My arms and abs are sore today from yesterday. I'm really excited about getting results from lifting weights. At least, I hope I get results...

This is the kind of workout where you get out what you put into it. It can be really easy if you don't put in any effort. I'd say I put moderate effort into it. I still think I need heavier weights.

Day 48 - Friday | Rip't Circuit & Speed 2.0

I went over my 1200 calories/day yesterday.  I ain't even mad.  1200 calories a day is hard. I would have been fine if I hadn't made Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies.  Sometimes when you're on your period, you need chocolate and peanut butter, sugar, butter, salt, fat, and of course Coke to wash it down. Whatevs.

I did really well on Rip't Circuit today. I did almost the entire thing. I took 2 small breaks, and I did modified on the half tuck jumps. At that point I was so exhausted that I just didn't have the will power to jump. I'm really proud of my effort today, though.

The ab moves at the end are really hard. I think I did them wrong the first time I did this video... I did pretty good at them today, but, man, they hurt!

Speed 2.0 is really hard.  I didn't do as well as I did last time, but that's most likely because I did this one right after a really hard workout. Right now I feel how I used to feel after Insanity: Exhausted, sweaty, red-faced, thirst... I just. I can't really even focus right now.  I pushed really hard, and I still really like this workout.

Shaun T turns into Will Smith, like, when he did "Big Willy Style". LOL

So red, I'm almost purple!

Day 49 - STATurday

Meh, I forgot to weigh myself.

Also, I don't care.

Day 50 - Sunday | Stretch

I just don't like working out on Sunday.

Dry Skin, and a Butt Load of Makeup

My skin has freaked out over the past couple of months.  I've always had dry skin, but it's never been this bad.  It's been flaking, and getting really red.  And then I've had at least one zit at a time for the past few weeks.  Normally I don't get much acne, but it's been constant for the past few weeks, so, what the heck?

But first... a story.

Last month I did a GIANT beauty swap in a beauty group I'm in on Facebook.  I did not know any of these ladies before I joined the group, but, I'm glad I know them now.  They are some of the most thoughtful and kind people I have ever met!

They do beauty swaps four times a year. Joining is volunteer, but you must abide by all of the rules and guidelines of the swap, such as shipping during a specific time frame, providing tracking, purchasing the minimum requirement, and personalizing the box/products to your "Spring Fling".  This was my first one, and boy was I excited!  It was a $30 minimum, meaning, I had to buy at least $30 worth of stuff for the girl whose name was assigned to me.  We used a website called Elfster to make wishlists and get the scoop on the girl we drew. While you obviously know who you have to shop for, you don't know who is shopping for you.  Elfster allows you to ask your "elf" anonymous questions. You find out who has you when you receive your box.

Anyway, I ended up spending over triple the minimum on the girl who I had, and I felt really pleased with myself.  That is, until I opened up the package that was given to me...

I was speechless when I opened this up. This girl seriously went above and beyond! I told her that I have dry skin.  Apparently, she does too, and she lives in Texas, which is also humid. So she sent me stuff she likes to use on her skin.  Awesome!

So here's everything I received:
A cute makeup bag
Monistat anti-chafing gel (somehow she knew that I use this as primer... good stalking!)
Zebra print necklace holder
Cook book
Maybelline gel eyeliner
Macadamia natural oil, deep hair conditioner
2 packages of Hot Tamales
Bath and Body works car air freshener
DDF oil free moisturizer sample
mini cookie cutters
package of note cards
Lush Full of Grace bar, and Lush samples that are for dry skin ♥
A notebook for Lily
Bubbles for Lily
a mini nail polish for Lily
2 mini bottles of Bath and Body hand sanitizer
2 different Cover Girl eyeshadow quads
Urban Decay Shattered Face Case
Ulta four-sided nail buffer
Hand buffer (smells amazazing)
Texas Frito Brittle (delicious!)
Chocolate bar from a local chocolate shop, it was delicious
Bath and body nail file
EOS lip balm
Ulta manicare set
6 bottles of nail polish
Revlon lipstick
3 gorgeous Mally eyeliners
2 NYX lip liners
2 Wet n Wild balm stains
a fun pen that write in purple ink
NYX jumbo eyeshadow pencil
NYX matte lip cream
Wet and Wild Fergie eyeshadow primer


Not to mention that she sent two packages previously that included lots of fun samples, another bottle of nail polish, and more chocolate.

I was totally spoiled!

The Zebra print thingy can is designed to hold either keys or necklaces. And I can stick earrings into it. It will be so cute in my bedroom!

A cookbook! I mentioned to her that I love cooking and trying new foods, and she got me a huge cook book!  That was totally unexpected.

I told her I painted my nails every other day, and she got me six bottles of nail polish... Well, technically 7, because she sent me a couple anonymous packages before she sent this one.

Ok, but the point of this post... Lush.  Lush is the answer to my skincare needs.  I LOVED every single sample she sent me.  One of them was a moisturizer called Skin's Shangri La. The full size at Lush is around $50, ouch.  But I went ito Lush anyway, and got some star treatment!  They asked me about my skin, and put a bunch of products on my hand, to see if I liked them.

I walked out with a haul!

This is my very first full skincare regime. Ok, I lied. I used one from Mary Kay once, and it was OK, but nothing as amazing as this.  I am loving this so far!  It's only been three days and my skin is already softer, smoother, the redness is gone, the flakiness is gone, the irritation is gone... No new zits yet, but we'll see.

Ultrabland - a facewash made with beeswax. It can be used as a makeup remover or daily cleanser, and it soothes redness. So far I'm loving it!  Every face wash I have ever used in my life has left my face feeling tight and dry, until now.  My skin feels normal and soft after using this!

Eau Roma Water - this is a toner that uses rose water and lavender water, it reduces redness and moisturizes. It's also supposed to shrink pores, but we'll see. ;)  I really like this!  I received a sample of this in my big package I mentioned above, and after using it three times the redness in my cheeks was gone.  So, yeah, it works.

Enchanted Eye Cream - This was an impulse buy. I ran out of eye cream a few days before I made this purchase, and so I asked about it. The saleslady totally sold me on it when she said it gets rid of dark circles. She wasn't lying either! Mine have greatly diminished in the few days that I've been using this! It's also supposed to tighten fine lines, but, we'll see.

Celestial - This is a moisturizer made out of almond and cocoa butter. It smells like chocolate... And it feels like heaven.

BB Seaweed - This is a fresh face mask. I really wanted to try these!  When they say "fresh" they mean it. They are kept in the refrigerator and expire after two weeks.  They have a variety of these masks, but I got this one because it was what they recommended to me. It's soothing and calming, and it feels awesome all cold out of the fridge.  I can get about 8 uses out of the pot, so I should be using it every 2-3 days so that I use it all before it goes bad.

My skin was over-exfoliated, so they recommended I wait a little while before doing any exfoliating.  But they gave me a sample of Angels on Bare Skin to use in a couple of weeks. It's supposed to exfoliate, calm, and sooth.  We shall see!

I called this my birthday gift to myself.  I'm loving it so far!  I can't wait to get more goodies from Lush!

Potty Training?

Potty training is stupid. I'm pretty sure Lily agrees.

I've been trying to potty train Lily for two weeks now.  It's not going very well.  I don't think Lily is ready. The only reason I started trying was because Lily's new doctor recommended it.

Lily just doesn't like peeing in the potty.  She'll sit on it, and read stories, and sing songs with me but she refuses to pee.  I've gotten her to pee on there a couple of times, but right before she pees she throws a tantrum. She cries, she throws her books, and screams at me and then she stands up when her pee starts to flow. I tell her she's doing great and she needs to sit to pee.  When she's done, I tell her how wonderful she is, and we pick a sticker for her chart, and she gets a big hug, and yadda yadda yadda.  She doesn't give a crap. She hates peeing on the potty.


But it sure is cute seeing her bum in panties!

Lily is really adorable. Last week she started saying "Amen!" at the end of books instead of "the end."  It's so cute!  And it makes me feel like we do a good job of praying together.

Lily loves the movie Frozen.  If I say, "Elsa! Elsa!" Lily goes "Hoo hoo! Dis?!"  She's pretending to be Oaken, when he says, "Yoo hoo! Big summer blowout!"  She'll also sing "Let it go, let it go!" OR she'll just act like she's singing but not make any noise, just mouthing words, and dancing.  She does that in the car a lot.  Her new favorite song is "Mr. Roboto."   I can thank Lance for that.  She pretends to sing the whole time, but she will say "Thank you! Thank you!" during one part of the song.

Her favorite song used to be The Fox, and before that it was Radioactive by Imagine Dragons as well as My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fallout Boy.

Can you tell what songs are of my influence, and what songs are of Lance's influence?

We purchased her some foam letters to play with in the tub. So far her favorite letters are "E" and "O."  I have no idea why.

We were at a restaurant that had an OPEN sign where one letter would light up at a time, and she kept looking at it and saying "O" "E" "O" "E". Oh my goodness, it was so cute!


The other day I was Snapchatting my sisters and I had the filming on, and told Lily to say hi to Emilee, and Lily said, "Hi Eyee."  It was so cute!  Then we did another one where I asked her to say hi to Jessica and she said "Hi Ditah!"  So We've got Eyee and Ditah.  Close enough!

Lily is finally starting to call herself "Lily" instead of "Baby".  Any time we'd ask her what her name was, she'd say "Baby!" but now she says "Lily."  Her Ls are not perfect, so it sounds something like "Yeedee."

Lily is an excellent eater. She'll eat anything, but her favorite things are yogurt, granola bars, cheese sticks, and any kind of pasta.  I made some pasta the other night, I think it was Sundried Tomato Fettuccine or something, and she kept saying "Mmm!"  "Mmm!"  That made me feel really good.

Focus T25 - Week 6 (First Week of Beta Round!)

Day 37 - Monday | Core Cardio

I like new workout videos.  I tend to get bored of doing the same workouts over and over again, even if I'm not very good at them.  So, this was motivating in that sense.

I bought myself a new workout top.  $10 at Burlington Coat Factory.  I love it!  I want more.  Nothing like new workout clothes to motivate you.  Also, you can't workout unless you're wearing neon. It's the rules! ;-)

Before. Let's do this!

On an unrelated note - that little blip of a fingernail you see on my thumb is my real nail. I have ended my lifelong habit of biting my nails. I also got some OPI Nail Strengthener for Christmas, and it's helped my nails to not chip, crack, break, or bend. So now I have feminine fingernails, hooray!

After.

The first eight minutes of this had me thinking, "Holy cow, my cardio is great! I've really improved here!"  Two minutes later I decided I am a liar and I still suck at cardio.  So the last 17 minutes of this workout were really hard.

I did regular moves for most of the workout, but I did have to take a lot of breaks.  Also, Lily had an accident and I had to go clean that up. I DID pause the video so I didn't skip anything in the workout.

At six minutes to go I did modified moves for the remainder of the workout.

Day 38  - Tuesday | Speed 2.0

Oh.my.gosh. that workout was AWESOME!  Speed 1.0 from the Alpha round was my favorite because it felt "dancey."  Speed 2.0 is absolutely like a dance.  The music is awesome and extremely motivating for me. I have never had so much fun working out, ever.  Hooray for a workout to look forward to!

Even though I really liked this one, I still could not keep up with the regular moves the entire time.  I took extra breaks, but since I was having so much fun, my breaks were short, sweet, and I tried really hard to get back into the action.  If only I was this motivated for every workout!

I am so sweaty, and I LOVE it!  I feel very accomplished right now.

Also, my butt is very sore from yesterday's workout, so that's awesome.  I've been doing squats and lunges for 6 weeks now, so I'm happy that whatever I did yesterday was challenging enough to give me some sore glutes!

Day 39 - Wednesday | Rip't Circuit

Waking up today was difficult.  My glutes were more sore this morning than they were yesterday morning. My abs are also sore.

 The name of this workout scares me. This is the first workout using the dumbbells. This was my first time ever working out with weights at home.  I used to work at Gold's Gym, and I had a free membership there. So with that free membership, I used to alternate lifting weights and doing cardio every day after work. But yeah, this was my first time at home. I think it went really well.  You don't use the weights for every move, just a few here and there.

This workout is pretty difficult. I had to stop early on most of the moves, but I was drenched in sweat by the end, and I feel very accomplished.

At the end there is a sequence of ab moves and I honestly was surprised at how well I did them.  Ok, that's an understatement, I was stoked at how much I freakin' rocked those moves.  My abs have come a long way!

The sequence goes like this:  Lay on the floor, keeping your head and shoulders off the floor, with your legs extended in front of you. You slowly lift both legs at the same time, while Shaun T counts to four (to make sure you're moving slowly). You touch your toes with your fingers, then take another four counts to lower your legs, but you don't let your feet touch the floor.  We did that a few times, and I rocked it.  

Then after the leg lifts, you do something called 5 count power abs.  You start with a c-sit position (that I learned during Insanity), then do a butterfly with one leg in, then switch legs and do the butterfly with the other leg in, then you do a reverse crunch, and then a V hold.  I think we repeated that sequence four times, but I made it through three times before I died.  You guys, my V hold rocks!  I'm so proud of myself!

Overall I think I used weights that were too light, but I think it's a good start.  I'll probably end up picking up 8lb dumbbells eventually though.  Still light, but not as light as the 5lb I'm currently using.

Day 40 - Thursday | Dynamic Core

Well, if you've read my past updates, you might remember I posted about a stomach pain problem I've been having for the past 8 months.  I got the pain again today, about 7 minutes into this workout.

I did great for those 7 minutes. It was basically just warming up stuff, though. Nothing too hard.

It's been two hours since I attempted to do this workout, and my stomach pain has gone away for the most part, but there is still a little twinge in the spot where the pain was.  I think I know what's causing it, though.  You know what I started taking 8 months ago?  It Works! Greens.  The first time I had this pain was a few days after I had started taking greens.  Now that I think about it, every time I get this pain, it's after I've stopped taking the Greens, and started up again.  Two days ago, I took some greens in my water.  I'm not sure if I should continue taking the greens and not stop, or if I should stop completely.

Day 41 - Friday |  Upper Focus & Core Cardio

Upper Focus was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. This, like Rip't Circuit, also uses the dumbbells. I almost was able to do the entire workout. So, I'm pretty sure my weights are too light.  But I'll have to keep it this way for another week because I don't have time to go buy heavier ones until next weekend.  I guess my arms are kind of naturally strong because I didn't struggle with any of the arm moves, except for triceps dips. My triceps have always been a problem.

I did modified moves for most of Core Cardio. I took more breaks than I want to admit, but I'm still incredibly sweaty and tired right now.

Day 42 - STATurday

As of today, I'm down 1.6lbs from starting. It's a little frustrating that my weight fluctuates so freakin' much. It's also frustrating that I'm not losing weight faster.  It's been 7 weeks and that's all the weight I've lost? I'm ready to throw my scale away.

Day 43 - Sunday |  Stretch


I didn't stretch today, unfortunately.  Lance's cousin was in town so we visited them all evening. It was so great to see familiar faces!  Here's to next week!